EUROBASKET QUALIFIERS

Was not going to let an ankle injury get in his way: Jonas Jerebko

Having been noted as a major doubt for Sweden's pivotal EuroBasket Qualification Round clash with Bulgaria, Jonas Jerebko shrugged off his troublesome ankle injury to help his team claim a vital 85-71 success against their Group B rivals.

With Germany way out in front, this was always going to prove a potentially decisive encounter, and Sweden made it count to make it a perfect three wins from three games on home soil.

Jerebko was a major force as usual, managing to accumulate a typically all-action 13 points, five assists and five steals but it was Kenny Grant who arguably came up with the most dazzling display.

The 30 year old guard had the hot-hand from downtown all night long, sinking a sparkling five of five three-pointers which was the main reason for Sweden's success.

The home side always on top during the first half and led 49-39 at the interval, but Bulgaria did rally in the final quarter to cause concern for the Norrkoping locals.

Hristo Nikolov threw down a dunk to make it a one-shot game at 69-66 but it was to be as near as Bulgaria would get as Sweden kept their composure down the stretch to see the game out.

Chavdar Kostov had 20 points for Bulgaria but it was a far different night from when they opened up their campaign with a 78-73 win against the Swedes